diff --git a/internal/run/lint.go b/internal/run/lint.go
index bdc4f8c..aa18128 100644
--- a/internal/run/lint.go
+++ b/internal/run/lint.go
@@ -18,6 +18,10 @@ func (l *Lint) Execute(_ Config) error {
 
 // Prepare gets the Lint ready to execute.
 func (l *Lint) Prepare(cfg Config) error {
+	if l.Chart == "" {
+		return fmt.Errorf("chart is required")
+	}
+
 	args := make([]string, 0)
 
 	if cfg.Debug {
diff --git a/internal/run/lint_test.go b/internal/run/lint_test.go
index 25a6f26..9f88598 100644
--- a/internal/run/lint_test.go
+++ b/internal/run/lint_test.go
@@ -59,6 +59,18 @@ func (suite *LintTestSuite) TestPrepareAndExecute() {
 	l.Execute(cfg)
 }
 
+func (suite *LintTestSuite) TestPrepareRequiresChart() {
+	// These aren't really expected, but allowing them gives clearer test-failure messages
+	suite.mockCmd.EXPECT().Stdout(gomock.Any())
+	suite.mockCmd.EXPECT().Stderr(gomock.Any())
+
+	cfg := Config{}
+	l := Lint{}
+
+	err := l.Prepare(cfg)
+	suite.EqualError(err, "chart is required", "Chart should be mandatory")
+}
+
 func (suite *LintTestSuite) TestPrepareWithLintFlags() {
 	defer suite.ctrl.Finish()